Rope access work goes smoothly when residents know what is happening. A short, clear notice stops most complaints before they start: nobody is surprised by a technician outside their window, cars are out of the way and balconies are clear. This guide covers what strata and building managers should prepare, and gives you a notice template you can copy.
Before the work: a checklist for the building manager
- Confirm the anchors are in date. Roof anchors must be inspected at intervals of no more than 12 months under AS/NZS 1891.4. Check the tags or the height safety logbook. If the inspection is overdue, it has to be done first. See anchor point inspection.
- Agree the dates and working hours with the contractor, including a back-up day for rain or wind.
- Arrange roof access. Keys, access codes and the route to the roof for the crew and their equipment.
- Plan the area below the work. Which entries, paths, gardens and car spaces sit under each drop, and how people will get around them.
- Collect the documents your committee or managing agent needs: licence, certificates of currency, SWMS and rescue plan. Here are ours.
- Give residents notice. Many buildings aim for at least a week, so people can move cars, clear balconies and plan around the work.
What residents need to know
- When. The dates, the working hours and which side of the building is being done each day.
- What. The type of work, for example window cleaning, painting, sealant replacement or an inspection.
- Windows. Keep windows closed on the days the crew is working on your side.
- Balconies. Move plants, furniture, washing and anything loose away from the balustrade, so technicians can work and nothing gets damaged or dirty.
- Cars and bikes. Move vehicles from marked spaces under the work area.
- Pets. Keep pets inside, as some animals are unsettled by people outside the window.
- Privacy. Technicians will pass close to windows. Residents may want to draw blinds or curtains.
- Who to contact with questions or access issues on the day.
Notice template you can copy
Copy this into an email or print it for the lift and noticeboard. Change the text in square brackets.
Notice to residents: rope access work on [building name]
Dear residents,
[Contractor name] will be carrying out [window cleaning / painting / sealant replacement / a façade inspection] by rope access from [start date] to [finish date], between [start time] and [finish time]. Work may move to a back-up day if the weather is wet or windy.Technicians will be working from the roof and on the outside of the building. You do not need to leave your apartment. To help the work go safely and quickly, please:
- keep your windows closed on the days the crew is working on your side of the building;
- move plants, furniture, washing and loose items away from your balcony edge;
- move your car from [car spaces / area] on [dates];
- keep pets inside; and
- follow any signs and barriers around the entries and paths below the work.
Technicians will pass close to windows, so you may wish to close blinds or curtains.
If you have questions, or a reason the work affects you (for example, a medical need or a delivery), please contact [building manager name] on [phone] or [email].
Thank you for your help.
[Strata committee / building management]
On the day
- Barriers and signs go up below the work before anyone goes over the edge.
- The crew works one side or one section at a time, so most residents are affected for only part of the job.
- If a resident has a concern, the crew supervisor and the building manager deal with it together.
After the work
- Ask the contractor for a photo report, and keep it with the building records.
- Note any defects found during the work, such as cracked render, failed sealant or concrete cancer, so they can be planned and budgeted. See our strata building maintenance calendar.
- Update the height safety logbook if anchors were inspected.
Frequently asked questions
How much notice should residents get before rope access work?
Check your by-laws and your managing agent’s process. Many buildings aim for at least a week so residents can move cars, clear balconies and plan around the work.
Do residents have to leave during rope access work?
No. The work is done from outside the building. Residents only need to keep windows closed, clear their balconies and follow signs around the entries.
What if a resident refuses access to their balcony?
Most rope access work does not need access through an apartment. If a balcony is needed for a repair, the building manager arranges it with the owner or tenant before the date.
Planning work on your building? We can help you plan the dates and the safety set-up. Request a quote or call 1300 926 176. See also rope access services for strata managers.
